National cycleway success for Mackenzie region

National cycleway success for Mackenzie region

7 July 2010, 10:18AM
Femme

Champagne corks were popping in the Mackenzie yesterday (July 6) as the tourism industry received word that the region’s ‘Alps to Ocean’ cycleway proposal has made it through to the final funding stage of the National Cycle Trail project Nga Haerenga.

In February, the proposal was one of 13 shortlisted from 54 applications nationwide and moved into a feasibility study stage to determine whether it could be priced and delivered as promised.

Today it was announced that the Government has awarded the proposal $2.75m towards the total $3.25m design and construction cost.

A jubilant Phil Brownie, General Manager of Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie, was thrilled to be told the Government’s funding committee had recommended the region’s proposal be taken to the next stage towards officially becoming a ‘Great Ride’.

“We’re one step closer to establishing a 300km cycleway that will showcase the amazing diversity of the Mackenzie and Waitaki regions and result in huge economic and social benefits for our communities.

“If we’re successful, we’ll have created New Zealand’s ultimate cycleway encompassing everything from the country’s highest peak, through some of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes and wildlife all the way to the coast and the authentic Victorian town of Oamaru.”

“A great deal of time and energy has gone into the project to date and we are incredibly grateful to all members of the working party from both regions whose energy and enthusiasm towards has seen the project off the ground and successfully selected to become a national cycleway.”

Working party chair Mike Neilson said the ‘Alps to Ocean’ cycleway would create the greatest tourism investment impact on the Mackenzie economy since The Hermitage was built in the region more than a century ago.

“The $2.75 million grant is a brilliant investment to the Mackenzie that will offer an alternative off the beaten track experience, and through some of the South Island’s most beautiful countryside,” he said.

“We expect it to be fully completed and open next spring, in November 2011.”

Waitaki Tourism CEO Annabel Gudsell also hailed the cycleway as a great opportunity for the Waitaki region to help revitalise towns and villages along the track.

“It will help communities to grow and ensure businesses continue to flourish; it will really put Waitaki on the map,” she said.

The Ministry of Tourism has decided to fast-track the next stages of a funding agreement and implementation plan, so the implementation plan will be submitted by mid-August, the same time as the funding agreement is being finalized. The implementation plan will contain the project plan, separate project and funding schedules, a summary of risks and assumptions, control activities and a contracting and procurement plan.

“There’s still plenty of work to be done but obviously we’re on the right track and we’re reasonably confident, having made it this far and worked this hard, of getting it over the line.”

He said the Mackenzie and Waitaki ‘Great Ride’ was the perfect ‘fit’ with the 100% Pure New Zealand brand, helping to attract international visitors to stay longer and explore the region in more detail, and give New Zealanders a very compelling reason to explore their own backyard.

“We know we’re capable of delivering a world-class cycling experience with a user-friendly trail suitable for everyone from novice bikers and families up, no more than 15km between lattes and plenty of accommodation and transport options.”

Search